Self-Care as a Fortitude Factor Against Compassion Fatigue: Lessons Learned from COVID-19
2024

Self-Care Helps Gerontology Practitioners During COVID-19

Sample size: 37 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Scott Cathy, Shi Junrong, Samuel Linda

Primary Institution: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Hypothesis

Self-care activities can reduce compassion fatigue among gerontology practitioners.

Conclusion

Self-care is a protective factor against compassion fatigue for gerontology practitioners.

Supporting Evidence

  • Qualitative data showed fear, physical exhaustion, and anxiety among practitioners.
  • Practitioners reported self-care activities like spiritual practices and family support.
  • Quantitative data indicated a medium level of compassion fatigue among practitioners.

Takeaway

Taking care of themselves helps gerontology workers feel better and do their jobs well, especially during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology

Mixed-methods study with qualitative interviews and a quantitative online survey.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the small sample and self-reported data.

Limitations

Small sample size and lack of gender representation.

Participant Demographics

Participants included gerontology practitioners, with only two males noted.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3708

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